JAMA warmly salutes the agreement by the World Trade Organization trade ministers
meeting to launch the New Round of WTO talks. This represents a major step forward
in advancing liberalization and transparency for the member country and region
trade and investment systems -- a course of action strongly supported by the Japanese
automobile industry over the years.

As the realm of global business activity grows increasingly dynamic and directed,
efforts by the WTO to further liberalize world trade, and forge and strengthen
enlightened rules of conduct to improve the international business environment,
will take on greater significance for corporate entities everywhere. JAMA has
high hopes for the launch of the WTO New Round as a breakthrough instrumental
in maintaining and constructively evolving the WTO system, and in doing so ensuring
strong and sustained progress for the global economy.

This latest WTO ministerial meeting has also resulted in approval for WTO membership
on the part of both China and Taiwan. JAMA hails this advance as well, in view
of the fact that WTO participation by countries and regions wielding major influence
on the global economy is destined to make a precious and lasting contribution
to both removing the barriers to trade, and maintaining business activity aligned
with accepted international rules. This, we are most confident, will champion
further expansion in business opportunity and progress.